2016 was another highly successful season for the Driveline Division of Jasper Engines & Transmissions. All told, six of the top eight drivers in the 2016 NASCAR® Sprint Cup Series final points standings drove cars equipped with JASPER products. Sprint Cup Series cars equipped with JASPER products accounted for 23 wins, 93 top-five finishes, 170 top-ten finishes, and earned 26 pole position starts in 2016.

NASCAR® Xfinity Series Drivers using JASPER products accounted for 19 wins in 2016, including Series Champion, Daniel Suarez.

“Overall, our 2016 went real well,” said Terry DeKemper, JASPER Driveline Division Manager. “We were extremely busy with a lot of gear changes, but our season went smoothly, with no major issues. It’s truly a testament to the strength and durability of our driveline products.”

Stewart-Haas Racing drivers Kevin Harvick, Tony Stewart, Kurt Busch and Danica Patrick, along with Furniture Row Racing driver, Martin Truex Jr, used the single-rail version of the JASPER 4-Speed Transmission in 2016, which allows a single external rail to rotate and move two internal forks to engage the four forward gears.

DeKemper also announced the JASPER Driveline Division will supply 4-Speed Transmissions to Erik Jones, who moves to Furniture Row Racing and will drive the #77 Toyota for the 2017 NASCAR® Sprint Cup Series season. Furniture Row Racing, Joe Gibbs Racing and Stewart-Haas Racing will continue to use JASPER transmissions for their drivers next season.

“With the #77 team coming on board with JASPER next year, and the other teams using more of our product, it can only be good news for JASPER,” said DeKemper. “Our success can be attributed to our engineering staff and Associates within the department with many years’ experience, all working together to produce a great overall product.”

Every year on the fourth Thursday of November, Americans gather for family, feasts and football. As we celebrate, JASPER would like to thank our hard-working, dedicated Associates and all of our customers who make us the great company we are today. We wish you safe travels and joyful times with family and friends this holiday weekend.

Friddle: What does the automotive-related acronym PCV stand for?Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.Last Week’s Friddle: What device blends air and fuel on an internal combustion engine?Last Week’s Friddle Answer: CarburetorLast Week’s Friddle Contest Winner: No Winner

A big thanks to all military men & women who serve or have served to protect our great nation! To honor veterans, our Wernsing Road location in Jasper, Indiana will be illuminated in green, at dusk, this weekend. JASPER employs 178 veterans who were invited to a special catered luncheon, they also received a hot sauce gift set in appreciation for their service. Thank you for your service!

Friddle: What device blends air and fuel on an internal combustion engine?Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.Last Week’s Friddle: In fuel injected engines, what part of the air intake system controls the amount of air flowing into the engine in response to the accelerator pedal?Last Week’s Friddle Answer: Throttle BodyLast Week’s Friddle Contest Winner: No Winner

The competition consisted of a written examination, a pre-trip inspection, and a driving skills test. JET Transit’s four drivers had the top average score of the 20 transportation operations participating in the division.

Individually, Bob Pickett earned a share of 1st place in the tanker truck division and was a top-10 finisher in the Grand Champion competition. Dennis Schepers brought home 3rd place in the straight truck division. Brian Kuhs placed 4th in 5-axle sleeper berth tractor-semitrailer and Rich Mehling placed 5th in 4-axle tractor-semitrailer.

“JET Transit has competed in this competition for many years, and we’re just extremely proud of the performance of our drivers in 2016,” said Curt Petry, JET Transit Director, who was recognized as the 2015 IMTA Safety Professional of the Year. “We feel we have the most professional drivers in the industry, and they represent JASPER very well.”

Friddle: In fuel injected engines, what part of the air intake system controlsthe amount of air flowing into the engine in response to the accelerator pedal?Check our blog next Friday for the answer and another Friddle.Last Week’s Friddle: Which Italian automaker produced the 550 Maranello?Last Week’s Friddle Answer: FerrariLast Week’s Friddle Contest Winner: Chad S. - Greenville, TX